Battery Module Thermal Control Using Pressure-Responsive Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries face performance degradation and safety issues due to inadequate thermal control, particularly during rapid charging and in low-temperature conditions, and thermal imbalances within battery modules, which can lead to ignition or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A battery module incorporating a heat pressure exchange member that absorbs and releases heat based on pressure changes, using ceramic materials like trititanium-pentoxide to manage thermal energy, ensuring effective thermal control and balancing heat distribution among secondary batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid charging is performed to shorten charging time, then charging speed is improved, but thermal control performance deteriorates due to excessive heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that undergo phase transitions between solid and liquid states to absorb and release heat. The PCM is contained in a heat pressure exchange member that contacts the battery, enabling passive thermal management during rapid charging without compromising charging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pressure exchange member acts as an intermediary between the battery and the phase change material. It transfers heat from the battery to the PCM during charging, and can also apply pressure to the battery through the PCM's phase transition, facilitating heat exchange while maintaining electrical contact.
2Quantity of substance
If secondary batteries are densely packed to increase module capacity, then energy density is improved, but thermal imbalance worsens between batteries and regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal management function into multiple heat pressure exchange members, each contacting individual batteries or battery groups. This segmentation allows localized heat exchange, enabling dense battery packing while maintaining thermal balance across different regions of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pressure exchange member serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal interface for heat exchange, a pressure application mechanism for maintaining contact, and a structural element for battery positioning. This multi-functionality enables effective thermal management in densely packed configurations.
3Temperature
If thermal control measures are added to manage heat, then thermal control performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides passive thermal management through its inherent phase transition properties, automatically absorbing heat when temperature rises and releasing it when temperature drops. This self-regulating mechanism improves thermal control without requiring external power or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the thermal management function with the existing battery structure by integrating the heat pressure exchange member into the module assembly. This merging approach adds thermal control capability while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing available space and structural elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances charging performance, especially during rapid charging and in low temperatures, while reducing thermal imbalances and associated safety risks, thereby stabilizing battery performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
configured to absorb and retain heat when a pressure applied from the secondary battery is equal to or less than a reference value and release the retained heat when the pressure applied from the secondary battery is higher than the reference value
Implementation Method 2
using ceramic materials like trititanium-pentoxide to manage thermal energy
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module, which may improve the performance of secondary batteries through effective thermal control. The battery module includes at least one secondary battery; a module case having an empty space formed therein to accommodate the at least one secondary battery in the inner space; and at least one heat pressure exchange member disposed to face the secondary battery in the inner space of the module case and configured to absorb and retain heat when a pressure applied from the secondary battery is equal to or less than a reference value and release the retained heat when the pressure applied from the secondary battery is higher than the reference value.